WIREDGOV

Crimes of carrying an offensive weapon in Renfrewshire have fallen by 43 per cent since the No Knives Better Lives campaign began in 2010, the Justice Secretary revealed yesterday. 

The figures were published as Kenny MacAskill visited the award winning Street Stuff programme at St Mirren Park.

The community safety partnership, which involves Renfrewshire Council, St Mirren FC. Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue and Engage Renfrewshire, is aimed at diverting young people aged from 10-18 away from antisocial behaviour to more meaningful activities.

The programme has a range of equipment including mobile pitches, computer gaming equipment, music and a ‘Shoot for goal machine’. The Dome at St Mirren is used for football whilst the mini gym, table tennis and games room is available within the stadium.

Since 2009, No Knives Better Lives has been delivering activities in schools and communities to educate and inform young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife across 11 areas across Scotland. 

Statistics also showed that violent crime in the area has fallen by 41 per cent between 2009/10 and 2012/13. 

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: 

“Crimes of handling an offensive weapon (including knives) have dropped dramatically in Renfrewshire. They have fallen by a massive 43 per cent since 2009/10, helped by campaigns such as No Knives Better Lives, and are now at their lowest level in Scotland for 27 years. 

“We have consistently said that the best way to tackle violence is through enforcement, education and prevention and our campaign has been a great success. Handling offensive weapons crime has reduced significantly in all 11 areas where the programme is running and youth crime across Scotland has fallen by more than 50 per cent since 2008/09. 

“There is never an excuse for carrying a knife, and we will continue to work tirelessly with all of our partners to get the message home and change the culture in which some people think that carrying a weapon is acceptable. 

“That is why we are seeking to increase the maximum penalties for knife possession from four to five years in the Criminal Justice Bill. Backed by our education programmes, Scotland already has the toughest knife crime sentencing regime in the UK and those caught risk a significant custodial sentence.”